7 reasons why Innscor is leaving Zimbabwe Stock Exchange for VFEX

Why is there a procession of large companies leaving the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange for the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange?

At launch, VFEX was sold as the destination for investors seeking exposure to foreign capital. Today, VFEX is doing just that, even though it is at the expense of the older exchange.

This reflects the continued erosion of confidence in the local currency, which now accounts for a smaller portion of trade in the economy. To expand, companies need US dollars, and they cannot raise enough on the ZSE to meet their needs. VFEX is also likely better shielded from government policy shifts, including suspending trade and high taxes.

“The VFEX has remained largely stable as it has not been susceptible to abrupt policy changes and currency volatility,” according to FBC Securities.

VFEX is still small; market capitalisation doubled from US$259 million to US$566 million at the end of the year.

Currently, VFEX is made up of Padenga, Caledonia Mining, Bindura Nickel Corporation, Simbisa Brands, Nedbank ZDR’s, Seedco International, National Foods and the Karo bond. On the way are Axia, GetBucks, Seed Co Limited, and Innscor.

Innscor will trade on the ZSE for the last time on 17 February, and list on VFEX a week later. In its VFEX listing circular, the company lays out its reasons for leaving the ZSE for VFEX. Here is what Innscor is saying:

Access to USD capital

On VFEX, the company has a better chance to raise equity capital in foreign currency to support capital expenditure, working capital and regional expansion.

“The VFEX’s potential to become a regional exchange enhances Innscor’s opportunity to draw in a wider investor pool.” Innscor argues.

Reporting in USD, and not Zimdollars, will help “lower risk perception of Innscor” and help potential investors and financiers make better sense of its results.

Lower trading costs and increased liquidity

VFEX’s trading costs of 2.12% are lower than the ZSE’s 4.63%. This means shareholders can keep more of their capital, potentially making trading in the share more active.

It’s easier to move money in and out of VFEX. Foreign shareholders can repatriate their dividends freely in foreign currency forex and make settle proceeds from selling shares outside the country.

Tax incentives

A foreign investor on VFEX pays just 5% withholding tax on dividends, half of what they would pay on the ZSE. The shareholder also does not pay capital gains tax on VFEX, while they pay 40% when they sell stocks on the ZSE.

Enhanced regional profile of Innscor

Innscor also sees VFEX as a plus for its credibility. According to the Innscor, “migration from the ZSE to the VFEX potentially improves the company’s regional profile and commercial standing, creating pathways to the group’s local and regional prospects”.

Reduced valuation volatility caused by currency translation

Innscor says VFEX’s USD valuation allows its shareholders to realise the true value of their investments and get a more “accurate benchmark of the stock’s performance while mitigating valuation volatility”.

Dollars make more sense

Presenting its accounts in USD, as required by VFEX, will be “more effective” in letting shareholders know the true value of the business. –NewZWire

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